Saunders has welcomed the attention of the American, even suggesting they could meet in New York, but warned the 'Miracle Man' against a physical confrontation if he enters the ring to issue a challenge next month.

Daniel Jacobs plans to call out the winner of Billy Joe Saunders and David Lemieux

Daniel Jacobs plans to call out the winner of Billy Joe Saunders and David Lemieux

He told Sky Sports: "We all have a laugh and a joke and call out, but if a man gets in front of my face and starts to give it the big un, then it could come to blows. Who knows?

His promoter now, Eddie Hearn, is obviously British-based so we can do it here if it makes sense, or if it makes more sense, we can do it in America.

Billy Joe Saunders on Daniel Jacobs

"He doesn't need to challenge me, because put the right deal in front of me and I'll take it. No problem.

"I'll go to New York or we'll do it in England. His promoter now, Eddie Hearn, is obviously British-based so we can do it here if it makes sense, or if it makes more sense, we can do it in America. I'm not bothered where we do it.

"I congratulated him on his win and I look forward to the bigger test. If he's the biggest test I can get then so be it. We'll most definitely get it on, and try and get a crack at one of the big uns next. That's the goal."

Jacobs emerged with credit from his points loss to Gennady Golovkin

Gennady Golovkin inflicted the second defeat on Jacobs' record, a unanimous decision points loss last March, and Saunders believes the New Yorker receives too much credit for that performance.

"People go on about his fight with Golovkin," said Saunders. "Okay, it was an extremely good loss. Not an ugly win and get through, or a terrific win.

"They are overhyping that terrific loss and comparing it to other fighters. You can't be doing that. To be the best, you have to beat the best. He went up against the best and he came short."

Saunders is seeking a future fight with 'GGG'

Golovkin is holding talks for a May rematch with Saul Alvarez following their draw in September and Saunders admits his long-term target is to test himself against 'GGG'.

"Most definitely. That's what I'm in boxing for," he said. "I rate myself as the best middleweight.

"I know that Golovkin's extremely good, I really do rate him as a fighter. I respect him as a fighter, but I believe I've got something that could antagonise him and I want to put that on display."